California — Sunshine spreads across the San Francisco skyline this morning, and the air already carries a warm edge unusual for mid-March. Pavement warms quickly by late morning. Commuters walking Market Street or crossing the Bay Bridge will notice the heat building steadily through the afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in San Francisco, a Heat Advisory begins at 10 a.m. and continues through 8 p.m. Friday across much of the Bay Area and Central Coast. Inland temperatures are expected to climb into the upper 80s to mid-90s, well above seasonal averages for March.
Downtown San Francisco stays slightly cooler thanks to coastal air, but the city still climbs into the mid-80s today with bright sunshine. Conditions warm further Tuesday and Wednesday as high pressure strengthens over California. Cities including Oakland, San Jose, Walnut Creek, and Santa Rosa will feel the strongest warming during the afternoon hours.
Drivers along I-80, US-101, and I-680 corridors may notice heat shimmering off pavement during peak daylight. Interior valleys will warm fastest. That includes parts of the North Bay, East Bay interior valleys, and inland Monterey County, where temperatures could approach the lower 90s by midweek.
Nighttime cooling will remain limited in some inland communities. Lows stay in the upper 50s and near 60 degrees, reducing the relief typically expected in March.
Officials recommend drinking water frequently and avoiding strenuous outdoor activity during peak afternoon heat. Residents should also check on elderly neighbors and never leave children or pets in parked vehicles. Car interiors can heat rapidly even with outside temperatures in the 80s.
Meteorologists say the warm pattern reflects a strengthening ridge across the western United States. The system continues expanding east as the week progresses.
The advisory remains active through Friday evening. Additional heat alerts could follow if temperatures trend even warmer late in the week.
Five Day Forecast for San Francisco, California
Monday: Sunny and warm. High near 84°F.
Tuesday: Bright sunshine with increasing warmth. High near 88°F.
Wednesday: Sunny and warm. High near 87°F.
Thursday: Sunny and warm again. High near 87°F.
Friday: Mostly sunny with mild coastal breeze. High near 86°F.
